Using the concept of “deserved trust” to strengthen the value and integrity of biomedical research

Figures & data

Table 1. Characteristics that make research deserving of the public’s trust

Characteristic	Explanation
Disseminated research results are reliable	The purpose of biomedical research, like all scientific research, is to advance understanding of the natural world.
Research creates increased social value	The desire for greater human well-being and improved health care steers public and other resources to the biomedical research community.
Research is conducted ethically	There are international norms and standards regarding the use and treatment of animals and humans that should be observed in the conduct of biomedical research.

Table 2. Three questions that can be used to demonstrate why a research project or institution deserves the public’s trust

Question	Justification
What is that we are asking people to trust us with, in order to accomplish what goal/purpose?	This question helps us remember the dependency of research on others and what the good is that we seek on their behalf.
What accountability/safety/precautionary methods and practices are in place that help assure that we can be trusted to do the things we want to do with what we are soliciting from others and how effective are they?	This question helps us recall that, just as a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, an endeavor like research is made vulnerable by its weakest accountability measure/practice.
What additional steps, if any, do we need to take to ensure that we have effective safeguards in place?	This question steers us away from complacency with current safeguards toward vigilance regarding matters pertaining to individual research projects.